Pregnancy can be brutal. During both of my pregnancies my body went through some major changes. One major change was with my breasts. From my skin to the size, my breast went through significant changes that were not so easy to deal with. However I made changes to my self-care routine to deal with these changes. Here are major breast changes during pregnancy you should know about.
What Breast Changes Occur During Pregnancy
1.Size
During pregnancy your breasts will get bigger. These changes usually occur early to mid-pregnancy. It is important that you wear the correct size bra when this change occur. Trying to squeeze into a bra that doesn’t fit properly can cause serious back pain. It can also make your breast sore due to the discomfort. If you are unsure of what size bra you wear, find a store that will measure you. My favorite store is Lane Bryant. They have a large selection of bras and they have plus size selection as well.
2.Color
Another breast change that occurs during pregnancy is the color. The color of your areolas will become darker. Hormones are responsible for your nipples and areolas becoming darker. Another reason for this change is that your body is pumping blood at a much faster rate. This make blood vessels more prominent including the ones in your breasts.
3.Skin
Your skin might become more oily or dry during pregnancy. When I was carrying both my children, I developed a rash on my upper chest and it spread down to my breasts. The rash was very itchy and was inflamed. It did not help that I sweated so much during my pregnancies which made it worse. This rash was caused by my ever changing hormones.
The rash lasted for about a month during my first trimester with my daughter and lasted into mid second trimester with my son. To combat skin irritation, I made sure to keep my skin clean and hydrated. Sometimes the products you used prior to pregnancy can cause discomfort and irritation. Make sure that you discontinue any products that causes skin irritation.
4.Discharge
A breast change that occurs during mid to late pregnancy is discharge. As you get closer to your due date, your breast will start to produce colostrum. This is a milky water substance that will be your baby’s first meal should you choose to breastfeed. If you experience unusual or bloody discharge from your breast, contact your doctor right away.
What You Can Do?
You can not control your hormones, however, there are some things you can do to help with breast changes during pregnancy
- Wear loose light weight clothes. This will lessen irritation and friction on the skin. It is important to let your breasts breathe. You do not have to wear a bra every hour of the day. When you come home or just lounging, let your girls be free. If you need support but want to be comfortable, try a lightweight bralette.
- Use mild soaps. Using mild soap will prevent stripping your protective barrier from your skin.
- Replenish your skin. Putting the moisture back into your skin will protect it and preventing it from cracking.
- Avoid hot baths and showers. Hot water strips and dries out your skin making you more prone to rashes and outbreaks
- Avoid consuming drugs and alcohol. Alcohol and recreational drugs are very harmful to you and your baby and should not be consumed at any time during your pregnancy. Consuming drugs and alcohol ages you faster by breaking down the collagen in your skin.
- Use breast pads for leaky breast. If your chest begins to leak, try breast pads. This will capture the colostrum that leaks from your breast preventing moisture, irritation, and embarrassing moments.
